Cosmetic fingernail mask assembly



Aug. 19, 1969 H. w. covENEY COSMETIC FINGERAIL MASK ASSEMBLY Filed May' 9. 1967 ifllll..

I/ENTOR. Hownep W. o/EAJEY United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 132-885 10 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE The cosmetic fingernail mask assembly disclosed herein provides a base member having a plurality of recep tacles disposed about the perimeter thereof for insertably receiving individual masks or templates. Each mask is formed with a preformed aperture shaped to correspond to the users particular fingernail contour or shape so that only the nail portion of the finger is exposed from one side of the mask towards which a relatively narrow spray of a cosmetic preparation is directed. A central portion of the base member is formed with a pair of openings adapted to receive the thumbs of the users hand so that the entire assembly can be hand-held. The central openings may include receptacles for insertably receiving selected masks therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention The present invention relates to an improved fingernail mask for use in manicuring or pedicuring and, more particularly, to a novel hand-held device which will enable women to decorate and treat their fingernails without affecting the skin or cuticle and without encountering unnecessary sputtering or undesired deposition of the cosmetic agent. The invention has application for uses in instances where coloring, staining, tinting or lacquering is applied to the nail andit is desired to prevent the tint, stain, lacquer or pigment or other material from coloring the adjacent fiesh surrounding the nail.

Description of the prior art In present cosmetic applications, it is desirable to apply various types of nail polishes or other types of cosmetic preparations directly to the fingernails for decorative purposes by means of a spray. Normally, the spray is dispensed from a container in bursts of relatively short duration. However, such sprays are difficult to control and frequently result in deposition of the cosmetic agent upon the fingers or portions thereof away from the nails and are not restricted to application to the nails. At the present time, various desirable lacquers, stains and pigments cannot be employed for the purpose of manicuring or pedicuring or decoration because these substances frequently impregnate and stain the fiesh readily and are not easily removed.

Although a variety of masks and templates have been provided in the past to overcome these difficulties, such previously provided masks employ standard preformed apertures through which the fingernail is disposed. However, inasmuch as no two individuals have fingernails of identical shape and form, no standard template or mask has been developed which will accommodate or be common to all users. Consequently, whenever fingernail masks of previous design have been employed, these masks are not individually suited in contour and shape to perfectly match the fingernail contour and shape of the user so that various portions of the skin adjacent to the fingernail are exposed to receive undesired amounts of the cosmetic preparation. By use of the present invention, however, it is possible to employ many lacquers, stains and pig- 3,461,885 Patented Aug. 19, 1969 ments not now employed because contact between the fiesh and such stains or pigments is completely prevented by the use of templates or masks which are selected by the user and individually matched to the shape and contour of the users fingernails.

Illustrations of prior art masks and devices which suffer from the aforementioned problems and difficulties are represented in the devices set forth in U.S. Letters Patent 2,323,145; 2,722,224; 3,130,734; 2,709,443; and 2,396,154.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the novel cosmetic fingernail mask assembly of the present invention obviates the problems encountered with conventional finger masking devices which provide a plurality of individual stencils or masks which are detachably connected together in the form of a sheet lwherein each stencil or mask is formed with an opening of different size so as to correspond in general contour with the specific shape of a users fingernail. Selected ones of the stencils are adapted to be insertably received within selected ones of a plurality of receptacles formed about the periphery of a base member so that an assemblage is produced comprising a plurality of the selected masks which are individually matched-to correspond with the fingernails of the right and left hands of the user and the thumb nails of the right and left hands of the user.

Once the users fingernails have been inserted into the apertures provided in each of the masks, the assemblage can be hand-held in the hand presenting the fingernails to be sprayed, while the other hand is employed to operate a -spray container holding the cosmetic preparation. The spray issuing from the container is intended to be a spray of relatively narrow beam so that the preparation will be applied directly to the nail and not to surrounding structure of the assemblage or onto the garment or other portions of the users body.

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel cosmetic fingernail assemblage adapted to accommodate a plurality of individual stencils, each having a preformed aperture to receive a selected nail of the users hand and which provides close adherence to the adjacent surrounding flesh of the nail so as to prevent seepage of the cosmetic preparation against the fiesh.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel cosmetic fingernail assemblage incorporating a plurality of individually shaped apertured masks or stencils wherein the edge marginal region of the aperture is compressible so as to make a close and practically impermeable junction between the outer edge defining the aperture and the cuticle so that liquid, lacquer or other cosmetic preparation will be prevented Afrom leaking or seeping beneath the mask into Contact with the flesh.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel cosmetic fingernail mask arrangement which may be readily held by the hand of the user that may be readily fitted to the individual fingernails of the hand and which will permit spray application of a cosmetic preparation directly to the nails with assurance that a predetermined pattern will be formed thereon and without the need of masking tapes or adhesive securing means.

Still another object of ythe present invention is to provide a novel fingernail mask assembly incorporating a base member having a plurality of receptacles for receiving selected ones of a plurality of fingernail masks which are provided in the form of a sheet having perforations separating the variety of masks so that a variety of sizes and shapes of fingernails may lbe readily coated with a cosmetic preparation by liquid pressure spray with assurance that a predetermined configuration will result on the fingernails and without deposition of the cosmetic preparation upon the unwanted finger areas.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-IE DRAWINGS The features of the present invention which are believed to 'be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to itS organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best Ibe understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the novel cosmetic spray mask holder incorporated in the assemblage of the present invention showing a plurality of receptacles adapted to insertably receive selected and individual fingernail masks;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view illustrating a stencil sheet having a variety of individual stencils or masks, each having perforations therebetween to permit their separate detachment;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the holder shown in FIGURE 1 illustrating a typical mask receptacle incorporated thereon and a separate -mask preparatory to ybeing inserted therein;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to that of FIGURE 3 illustrating an alternate version of a mask receptacle;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged side view of a mask receptacle as taken in the direction of arrows 5--5 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a mask receptacle;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fingernail mask shown in FIGURE 3 as taken in the direction of arrows 7 7 thereof; and

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the mask employed in a typical application of a cosmetic spray being applied directly to a fingernail of a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring in detail to the drawings, and with respect to FIGURE l in particular, in which like characters of reference denote similar and like parts throughout the several views thereof, the novel cosmetic fingernail mask assembly of the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10. The assemblage includes a base member 11 preferably of oblong configuration composed of form-sustaining but flexible material, such as Celluloid, other plastic material, fiber or cardboard (treated or untreated), metal or the like having its peripheral edge formed with a series of spaced notches or recesses 12 which constitute a plurality of receivers.

The base member 11 is a relatively stiff thin sheet having opposite planar surfaces somewhat palette-form in shape wherein four receivers 12 are provided along the edge marginal region on one side of the base member and four receivers 12 are provided along the opposite edge marginal regions of the palette in opposite alignment relationship. Each of the receivers is formed to open outwardly so that each receiver is adapted to insertably accept a selected stencil or mask 13. Each of the selected stencils or masks 13 are preformed with an aperture 14 of suitable shape and contour generally corresponding to the area of a fingernail to be coated with a desired cosmetic preparation.

The four finger receptacles 12 along one edge of the base member 11 are adapted to receive stencils or masks 13 having apertures 14 formed therein suitable to accommodate the four fingernails of the left hand while the four finger receivers 12 on the opposite edge of the base member 11 are adapted to receive another set of stencils or masks having apertures 14 formed therein adapted to correspond to the four fingernails of the right hand. A pair of receptacles 15 and 16 are provided at the extreme opposite ends of the base member 11 and are adapted to receive suitable stencils or masks 13 having apertures therein for receiving the right and left thumb nails respectively.

Each mask 13 includes a preformed aperture 14 which is sized to receive therein only the fingernail of a particular finger with the peripheral edge of the mask defining the aperture extending between the underside of the nail tip and the adjacent flesh of the finger.

A central portion of the base member 11 as indicated by numeral 17 includes a pair of openings 20 and 21 which may be employed to be used by the thumb of one hand when the fingers of that hand are disposed within the apertures of the respective masks associated with one side of the base member. For example, when the lingernails of one hand are within the respective apertures of the mask retained within receivers 12, thumb hole 21 may be employed so that the assemblage is carried and supported by one hand of the user. However, when the fingernails of the other hand are in the apertures of masks disposed within receptacles 12', the thumb of that hand may be placed through opening 20 so that the assemblage is hand-held. Furthermore, when the thumb nail of one hand is within the aperture of a mask carried in receiver 16, the index finger of that hand may be located through the opening 21 so that the assemblage is supported by that hand. The mask within receiver 15 and opening 20 may be employed in the same fashion as for the thumb and index finger of the other hand.

A modification to the base member 11 may be made by forming the openings 20 and 21 into receivers so as to accept the insertion of a selected mask or stencil 13 whereby the thumb nail may be exposed through the aperture of the mask when the fingernails of the fingers of the same hand are disposed within apertures of masks associated with either of the finger mask receptacles located along either one of the opposite edges of the base member. The construction of such a receiver or receptacle will be described later. When this modification is employed, receivers 1S and 16 need not be provided on the base member.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, a plurality of stencils or masks 13 are arranged in a sheet 22 in a predetermined arrangement of rows and columns with perforations indicated by numeral 23 between the respective masks so as to permit detachment thereof from the sheet. Preferably, the sheet 23 and hence the individual masks 13, is made of any suitable semi-rigid or rigid material which can easily be manipulated to fit snugly and tightly under and about the tip of the nail and along the fiesh adjacent the nail. Each individual mask includes the aperture 14 which is different in size and contour from other mask apertures provided in the sheet. Each opening or aperture corresponds generally with the contour of the nail of one of the fingers. However, in some instances, it may be the users desire to decorate the nail with a pattern and to this end, some of the masks, as represented by numeral 24, may be provided with several apertures so that an overall composite design may be produced to so decorate the individuals nails.

A primary feature of the invention resides in the fact that the individual may readily select certain ones of the masks having the exact size and 4contoured aperture corresponding to the size and contour of an individual fingernail. In this manner, the individual may detach selected masks from the sheet and insert these selected ones into the receivers on the base member 11. In this fashion, the apertures 14 may vary in size from different individual masks to accommodate the different shapes of nails. The individual masks are readily detached by means of the perforations 23 and when so detached, leave a border of mask material about each aperture of sufficient dimension to cover the cuticle and the fiesh around the nail and to protect the same from any contact with the cosmetic preparation that may be employed.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, a receiver 12 is illustrated which is formed at the edge of base 11 and is completed by means of a U-shaped sheet 2S which is adhesively secured about the notch so as to leave a portion of the sheet immediately surrounding the notch unsecured 4from the base 11 whereby a fiap indicated by numeral 26 is provided. 'I'he sheet is formed with a cutout substantially corresponding to the notch. The flap 26 may be readily raised to accept the insertion of the mask 13 between its undersurface and the upper surface of the base member 11 immediately surrounding the notch 12. The flap is directed to substantially lie against the base 11 until the thickness of the mask 13 causes the flap to raise slightly as the mask is forcibly urged into the receiver. Sufi'icient binding will occur between the thickness of the mask and the flap due to the adhesive securement of the sheet 25 to the base member so that the inserted mask will be retained within the receiver during use. The pressure of flap 26 against an inserted mask 13 is shown in FIGURE 5. Sheet 25 may be composed of any suitable material such as paper, plastic or the like. Adjacent receiver sheets may overlap along common edge marginal regions so that the base member portions between adjacent notches are reinforced and stiffened.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, a modification of the invention is shown wherein the U-shaped sheet 25 is shown as being adhesively l'attached on three sides to a base member 27 which is provided with a hole 28 of smaller dimension than the sheet. The open end of the sheet 25 is adapted to slidably receive the mask 13. The distinction between the base member 11 and the base member 27 resides in the fact that base member 27 provides a segment 30 of material between the hole 28 and the edge of the base member. Such construction gives added rigidity to the base member and therefore improves support for holding the base member and the assemblage of masks in the hand of the user.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, another embodiment of a receiver for accepting an individual mask 13 from the sheet 22 is illustrated wherein a base member 31 includes a notch 32 opening through the edge thereof. The edges of the notch 32 are provided with a continuous slot 33 into which the edge marginal regions on opposite sides of a selected mask Iare slidably inserted. 'I'he mask is held in place by the friction encountered by its dimensional thickness with respect to the width of the slot 33 in a form of interference type fit. If more convenient, the base member may be composed of three layers of material such that the inner layer sandwiched between the two outer layers is shorter in dimension than the outer layers so as to provide a gap constituting the slot 33.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, each mask 13 is formed with the aperture 14 wherein the edge of t-he mask defining the aperture is slightly inclined or tapered to form a slightly downwardly projecting contoured ridge 34. The extreme edge 35 of the ridge comes into direct contact with the surface of the nail and as the user applies more or less pressure against the underside of the mask, the edge 35 will advance or retract in minute increments so that the user can be assured that the mating edge 35 with the fingernail extends precisely along the fingernail line adjacent the flesh. 4

In FIGURE 8, a typical application of the mask 13 is illustrated in which a finger 36 lot the users hand 37 is deployed beneath the undersurface of the mask 13 so that only a fingernail 38 is exposed from the upper side of the mask 13. A pressure container 40 containing a-quantity of liquid cosmetic preparation is provided with a spray nozzle 41 for ydispensing a spray 42 of the cosmetic preparation. It is to be particularly noted that the spray beam is narrow' and confined so that the preparation is deposited only on the nail 38. However, the preparation may also be deposited on the mask without fear of spoiling the preparation deposited on the nail.

Therefore, it can be seen that the cosmetic mask assemblage of the present invention is particularly suited to the individual requirements of a user and that the exposure of a particular fingernail is precise so that the exposed portion of the nail may be the only portion of the finger available to receive a `deposit of the preparation. The assemblage may be held in either hand of the user and supported thereby. A variety of masks, such as employed on sheet 22, may be readily detached therefrom and readily inserted in the receptacles provided.

What is claimed is:

1. In a cosmetic mask assemblage adapted to expose the fingernails of the user to the deposition of a cosmetic preparation while interfering with and blocking the deposition from flesh areas surrounding the fingernails, the combination comprising:

an oblong shaped base member having a plurality of notches formed about the edge thereof in fixed spaced apart relationship;

a plurality of masks, each having an aperture formed therein adapted to expose a fingernail from one side of said mask;

a receiver secured to said base member at the location of each of said notches adapted to slidably receive and retain a selected one of said masks; and wherein each of said masks includes a continuous downwardly depending ridge having a terminating edge dening :the size and contour of said aperture adapted to engage with the edge portion of the fingernail and bear ,thereagainst whereby upward pressure urged by the finger causes said ridge to be movably displaced inwardly to reduce the size of said aperture and whereby release -of finger pressure causes said ridge to assume its natural location to increase the size of said aperture so as to assure a precise corresponding fit between said terminating edge and the mating line of flesh and the fingernail.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of masks are arranged in a predetermined order of rows and columns constituting a sheet; and wherein said sheet is provided with a plurality of perforations separating said masks into individual masks whereby selected ones of said masks may be readily detached from said sheet preparatory to insertion into selected ones of said receivers.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said apertures in each of said masks are different in size and contour so as to be readily selectible by the user to the users precise fingernail size and contour.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said notches and said receivers are aligned along the opposite elongated edges -of said base member conforming to the index, first, second and little fingers of the users hands.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said base member includes a notch and a receiver at the opposite ends thereof adapted to mount selected masks for protecting the thumb nails of the user.

6. The invention as defined in claim 1 where said member includes a central portion formed with a pair of openings adapted to receive the thumb of one hand when the fingernails are deployed in selected ones of said masks along one side of said base member so that the mask assemblage may be supported and carried by the grasp of the users hand.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said receiver comprises a U-shaped sheet having an outer edge marginal region adhesively secured to said base member about each of said notches so as to leave a portion of said base member between said securement and the edge of said notch covered by an inner edge marginal region of said U-shaped sheet which constitutes a U-shaped flap adapted to retain said inserted selected mask in place by interference fit.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 including a pressure container for holding the cosmetic preparation and having a spray nozzle for discharging a 7 8 spray of the preparation characterized by a narrow hole in said base member in xed spaced relationship beam substantially the same width as the width of to the edge of said base member. said mask aperture. 9. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein References Cited Sais fegeieve? frlltlfisehaost fmdhin Sai ifent 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS er p nlngi ea a1 no c es an slidably accept the opposite edges of said Selected 2,262,977 11/1941 Vasll 132`88'5 one of said masks in an interference t to retain said 2323f145 6/1943 Mabry 132- 88-5 Selected mask therein 2,840,088 6/ 1958 Kushner 132-885 10. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said base member includes a segment portion disposed 10 LOUIS G' MANCENE Pnmary Examiner between each of said notches and the outer edge of G, E, MQNEILLj Assistant Examiner said base member so that each notch constitutes a 

